Will Dance or Pilates Reverse The Ageing Process?

Recently I watched "Keep On Dancing" an ABC series that examined the health effects of dancing on a group of over 65.year olds.  I hadn't heard of this 2 part special but by the time my third client asked me if I had watched it and highly recommend it, I was intrigued and eager to tune in. It was both fascinating and entertaining to follow the journey of the volunteers from first rehearsal all the way through to performance.

Structured as a 12 week experiment the 9 volunteers learned a dance routine during two, 2hr rehearsal sessions per week. The dancers were dealing with a variety of health issues including poor balance, cancer, Parkinsons disease,  Alzheimers disease and nerve damage. If you would like to watch these heart-warming episodes you can do so here. Spoiler Alert:  I'm going to be looking at the results now so stop reading if you want to watch the episodes first!

Findings of The Dance Experiment

Having taught dance for 20 years myself to children from the age of 3 right up to older adults, I had first hand knowledge of the benefits of dance for the body and brain.  It was no surprise to me to see the amazing health benefits the volunteers experienced when their progress was measured by a biomechanical scientist from UNSW.  At the end of the 12 weeks the volunteers level of fitness had improved and they had also improved when performing cognitive tasks as well. Their balance was also much better, particularly for Helen who had suffered a devastating fall previously and was understandably very anxious she would fall again. To increase her confidence, Helen was also able to be wired up and placed in a safely harness for intensive "trip training " so she was more able to save herself if she tripped over. Rod regained feeling in his lower legs which was previously numb due to neuropathy or nerve damage. Shirley, who has Alzeimers disease, showed a remarkable improvement in both physical and cognitive tests.  All in all they were able to slow down or reverse the progression of their conditions or diseases and therefore delay the ageing process.

The Power Of Movement For Reversing Ageing

Having spent the first half of my career teaching dance and the second half teaching Pilates for 18 years years now, I'm convinced that movement really does heal and reverse the ageing process.  It was wonderful to see the results of the volunteers in the experiment but what happens once the experiment ends?  It was a very unique experience for these volunteers.  However, there was no mention in the series if there was to be any type of follow-up plan so they could maintain their newly acquired health benefits. Sadly, as they resume their everyday lives and don't continue with 4 hours of dance training per week they are going lose the amazing benefits they had achieved.  What about the average person who wasn't part of the experiment but wants to improve their health and reverse the ageing process too,?

Dance is a wonderful form of movement but it's not for everyone. Some people just don't enjoy dancing and aren't interested in trying it especially if they are older, it can be a little daunting.  If dancing is not for you then Pilates is the ideal way to experience all the benefits the volunteers achieved in the experiment plus many more.  If you do enjoy dancing, Pilates and dance are a match made in heaven. They complement each other and many dancers practise Pilates as a way of increasing, strength and flexibility and preventing injury.  In fact, Joseph Pilates opened his original Pilates studio in the same building as the New York City Ballet and before long the dancers discovered that Pilates unique method of exercise could rehabilitate them from injury and get them back on stage quickly. So as you can see the connection between dance and Pilates goes back a long way and like me, many dancers and dance teachers become Pilates teaches because it's a logical progression after their dance career.

How Can Pilates Reverse The Ageing Process?

Just like the volunteers in the experiment experienced, my Pilates clients are also using this low impact form of exercise to rehabilitate from cancer and surgery, overcome chronic pain such as back or hip pain, improve balance, posture, bone density and core stability.  As Pilates is a mind body connection they are constantly improving their cognitive function at each session.

"People often tell me they “don’t have time” to exercise, but you must make the time. Remember, this isn’t about vanity or looks; it’s about your life and well-being.  Physical exercise may offer the greatest return on investment in yourself, and it’s an antidote to many things that play into your risk for decline.”

Sanjay Gupta Neurosurgeon, from his book "Keep Sharp"

As you can see both dance and Pilates help to reverse the ageing process and while I can't give you the opportunity to join a dance class,  I can offer you the opportunity to learn Pilates with me. I offer virtual 1 on 1 sessions via Skype and you can alos have access to my library of on demand videos. Please contact me at [email protected] to get started.  Alternatively,  click here to learn more about my online studio and how you can start working with me. It would be my pleasure to assist you on your Pilates journey to reversing the ageing process!

FAQ

What Health Conditions Do You Cater For In Your Online PIlates Studio?

The program is designed for and caters to a large range of health issues. Some of the conditions that current members are successfully using JS Mind Body Pilates online to manage or overcome are:

Back pain caused by lumbar disc issues, sacroiliac joint pain, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, sciatica and non-specific lower back pain. Hip pain, knee pain, ankle and foot pain. Neck and shoulder pain including rotator cuff injuries. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Pre-surgery strengthening and post-surgery recovery.

If you don't see your health condition listed, email me at [email protected] to check if Pilates can help you too.